United States Depa11ment State Washington,. D.C. 20520
Case No. F-2012-38774
Ms. Kate Bailey
OCT 2013
Judicial Watch 425 Third Street SW, Suite 800 Washington, 20024
Dear Ms. Bailey: response your request dated October 18, 2012, under the Freedom Information Act (Title USC Section 552), have conducted search the files the United States Mission the United Nations.
Based the results that search, have determined that documents, totaling 1192 pages, responsive your request may released full. All released material enclosed. Review additional records the United States Mission the United Nations ongoing. will keep you informed your case progresses. you have any questions, you may contact Department Justice attorney Robert Prince (202) 305-3654. Please sure refer the case number, F2012-38774, and the civil action number, 13-951, all correspondence about this case.
Sincerely,
SJuJ'f tJ.)albf fa]
Sheryl Walter, Director
Office Information Programs and Services Enclosures: stated.
Tunisia's President Moncef Marzouki urged the United Nations declare dictatorship disease, much like polio and small pox, and launch campaign eliminate autocratic rule. (link) U.N., Rwanda defiantly rejects claims Congo rebel support September 28, 2012
Reuters Michelle Nichols
UNITED NATIONS -Rwanda defiantly denied claims the United Nations Thursday that was aiding rebels Democratic Republic Congo and rejected U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon's summary meeting the crisis, diplomats said. (link)
Italy, Jordan Push Religious Tolerance Initiative
September 28, 2012
Associated Press UNITED NATIONS The foreign ministers Italy and Jordan are pushing initiative promote
religious tolerance worldwide. (link)
EXCLUSIVE: Study: Misconduct Goes Unpunished
September 28, 2012 Associated Press Peter James Spielmann
NEW YORK -When U.N. staffers peacekeeping missions were accused misconduct corruption over the last couple years, more than two-thirds them were exonerated the U.N.'s internal tribunal system, according research provided whistleblower-protection group. (link)
TOP STORIES
Nod Obama Netanyahu Warning Iran Bomb
September 28, 2012
New York Times Rick Gladstone And David Sanger Prime Minister Be11jamin Netanyahu Israel told the United Nations Thursday that Iran's capability enrich uranium must stopped before next spring early summer, arguing that that time the country will position make short, perhaps undetectable, sprint manufacture its first nuclear weapon. (link)
Netanyahu Demands 'Red Line' Iran
September 28, 2012
Wall Street Journal JAY SOLOMON
UNITED NATIONS-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran was track build atomic bomb summer 2013 and exhorted the
U.S. and other global powers set strict limit Tehran's nuclear fuel production the clear "red line" that would trigger military strikes. (link)
Netanyahu: Iran Could Have Bomb Next Summer Does Not Face "Red line"
September 28, 2012
Post Anne Gearan
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UNITED NATIONS -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that firm ultimatum Iran the only peaceful way stop the regime Tehran from getting atomic weapons, increasing pressure President Obama weeks before the U.S. presidential election. (link)
Security Fears Hobble Inquiry Libya Attack
September 28, 201
New York Times David Kirkpatrick, Eric Schmitt And Michael Schmidt BENGHAZI, Libya -Sixteen days after the death four Americans attack United States diplomatic mission here, fears about the near-total lack security have kept F.B.I. agents from visiting the scene the killings and forced them try piece together the complicated crime from Tripoli, more than 400 miles away. (link)
Attack Consulate Libya Determined Terrorism Tied Al-Qaeda
September 28, 2012 Post Greg Miller
U.S. intelligence agencies have determined that the attack the U.S. mission Libya involved small number militants with ties al-Qaeda North Africa but see indication that the terrorist group directed the assault, U.S. officials said Thursday. (link)
AFRICA Kenya Kenya Attacks Last Stronghold Somali Militants
September 28, 2012
Associated Press Abdi Guled And Tom Odula MOGADISHU, Somalia -Kenyan troops invaded al-Shabab's last stronghold Somalia, coming ashore predawn assault Friday. Other African Union forces were traveling overland link with the Kenyan forces the port city Kismayo. (link)
Sudan
Sudan And South Sudan Sign Accord, But Several Issues Are Unresolved September 28, 2012
New York Times Jeffrey Gettleman
KAMPALA, Uganda -The presidents Sudan and South Sudan signed along-awaited cooperation agreement Thursday, paving the way for the resumption oil exports and casting their ailing economies desperately needed lifeline. But several analysts said the deal came far short. (link)
ASIA Burma Myanmar Awaits Sanction-Lift Effect
September 28, 2012 Wall Street Journal SAM HOLMES and CELINE FERNANDEZ The U.S. decision lift ban exports from Myanmar could give the country its best shot becoming the world's next low-cost manufacturing hub well firm the fragile political reforms now taking
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Egypt
Egypt: Christians Flee Town After Militant Threats
September 28, 2012
Associated Press Maggie Michael CAIRO -Coptic Christian families have fled their homes town Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, fearing for their lives after receiving death threats from suspected Islamic militants, local priest said Thursday. (link)
Iran
World Powers Open More Nuke Talks With Iran
September 28, 2012
Associated Press Bradley Klapper
WASHINGTON -World powers decided Thursday lay the groundwork for another round negotiations with Iran over its disputed nuclear program, senior U.S. official said, but they want significantly improved offer from the Islamic republic. (link)
Iran Envoy Assaulted Protesters Near The U.N.
September 28, 2012
New York Times Robert Mackey And Rick Gladstone
Iranian exiles and the Iranian government can mak for combustible combination, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry discovered after address the country's president the United Nations during this week's General Assembly. (link)
Israel
Israeli Foreign Ministry Calls For More Sanctions Iran
September 28, 2012
New York Times Isabel Kershner
JERUSALEM -An internal report prepared Israel's Foreign Ministry calls for additional round international sanctions against Iran, Israeli official confirmed Thursday, what appeared rare Israeli acknowledgment that there might still time try stop the Iranian nuclear program means other than military action. (link)
Israeli Report Says Sanctions Hitting Iran Hard
September 28, 2012
Associated Press Daniel Estrin JERUSALEM new Israeli government report published local media Thursday concludes that international sanctions are hitting Iran hard and called for another round, adding new wrinkle Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that tougher action needed prevent the Islamic Republic from developing nuclear weapons. (link)
Libya
Panetta says undetermined terrorist group carried out attack Consulate Libya
September 27, 2012
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Spain
Spain Unveils Sweeping Spending Cuts; Leaders Silent Bailout
September 28, 2012
Post Michael Birnbaum
BERLIN -Amid growing sense that Europe slipping back into instability after months relative calm, Spanish leaders unveiled sweeping spending cuts and new taxes Thursday last-ditch attempt get their country's finances track. But they were silent about whether they would seek formal bailout prop their turmoil-wracked economy. (link)
United Kingdom
British Authorities Announce Changes libor Oversight
September 28, 2012
New York Times Mark Scott
LONDON -British authorities are set announce significant changes the interest rate the heart recent manipulation scandal they aim improve the accuracy and reliability the bencmark.
(link)
FOREIGN POLICY
Man Tied Anti-Islam Video Held Probation Charge
September 28, 2012
New York Times Brooks Barnes
LOS ANGELES -The man thought have been behind the crude anti-Islam video that set off deadly
protests across the Muslim world recent weeks was arrested Thursday for violating terms his
probation 2010 bank fraud case. (link)
OPINION
The Arab Spring Still Blooms
September 28, 2012
New York Times Moncef Marzouki
THE violent demonstrations that have spread across the Muslim world recent weeks have convinced
many the United States and Europe that the Arab revolutions that began late 2010 are now over
and that the democratic project has failed. Bitterness and sense impending catastrophe are
replacing the enthusiasm that followed the toppling dictators Tunisia and Egypt last year. (link)
Stop Playing Politics With The Benghazi Attack
September 28, 2012
Post
THE OBAMA administration's descriptions what happened Sept. the Libyan city Benghazi have
evolved way that some -including congressional Republicans -find suspicious. Initially, Secretary
State Hillary Rodham Clinton described "attack" which "heavily armed militants" assaulted U.S.
compound, leading the death Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. Four
days later, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice said that "extremist elements" had joined demonstration
outside the U.S. Consulate against anti-Muslim video. (link)
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Providing Legal Basis Attack Iran
September 28, 2012
Post Jeffrey Smith And John Bellinger Ill The question whether military force should used prevent, least delay, Iran from building nuclear weapon again the front pages. Both President Obama and Mitt Romney have said they would consider military strike against Iran. According media reports, the necessary planning has been completed, and military options are "fully available." (link)
Talking Cross Purposes September 28, 2012 New York Times The alternate universes the Israeli and Palestinian leaders were display Thursday the United
Nations General Assembly. (link) The World Burns, Leaders Await Post-Election Decisions The
September 28, 2012
Post ADD MAHMOUD Ahmadinejad the list world leaders impatiently waiting for the U.S. election over. The Iranian president suggested The Post's David Ignatius interview Sunday that "key issues" the negotiations between Iran and international coalition over its nuclear program "must talked about again once come out the other end the political election atmosphere the United States." The implication was that won't possible know the bottom-line U.S. terms for deal -and that Iran would not reveal its own -until President Obama has either won reelection been defeated Mitt Romney. (link)
Europe's Austerity Madness
September 28, 2012
New York Times Paul Krugman much for complacency. Just few days ago, the conventional wisdom was that Europe finally had things under control. The European Central Bank, promising buy the bonds troubled governments necessary, had soothed markets. All that debtor nations had do, the story went, was agree more and deeper austerity -the condition for central bank loans -and all would well.
When Growth Outpaces Happiness
September 28, 2012
New York Times Richard Easterlin Los Angeles --CHINA'S new leaders, who will anointed next month the Communist Party's 18th National Congress Beijing, might want rethink the Faustian bargain their predecessors embraced some years ago: namely, that social stability could bought rapid economic growth. (link)
DOMESTIC AGENDA
Veterans Wait for Benefits Claims Pile
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"We're not gaining any ground here," Eric Shinseki, the secretary veterans affairs, acknowledged interview over the summer. "Am impatient? Yes, but I've got fix."
That fix the department's "transformtion plan," which calls for new training regimen that Mr. Shinseki says will improve speed and accuracy processing claims; creation special teams handle complex claims; and new digital technology that will replace the current paper-choked system.
When all those pieces are place 2015, Mr. Shinseki says that every claim will processed fewer than 125 days, with almost errors pledge that veterans' advocates view skeptically.
Current and former front-line workers, who spoke out frustration with the widespread criticism their agency, offer different analysis. The dysfunction, they say, stems from inadequate training and weak management, excessively complicated process, and assembly line-like performance standards that require them meet production quotas under threat demotion firing. The solution, they say, clear.
"They need more workers," said Mark Locken, retired Army artillery officer who worked for the department for three years Boston before quitting May becuse, said, the stress.
The history the backlog, which predates the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks,suggests another source the problem: bureaucratic culture with conflicting missions. one hand, Department Veterans Affairs employees are urged advocates for veterans. tell them: you're going take care these young men and women for life," Allison Hickey, retired Air Force brigadier general who under secretary for benefits, said interview.
Yet those workers are also required stewards the public dime, called distinguish the truly needy from the less needy from the fraudulent.
That means they must evaluate veterans determine whether their illnesses injuries are real, and whether they are the result military service, something else. those problems are deemed "service connected," the workers must then quantify their severity and attach dollar values. that traumatic brain injury from high school football roadside bomb Iraq? that back injury percent disability percent? that post-traumatic stress disorder real?
Medical questions without simple answers must settled harried bureaucrats and overworked doctors applying black-and-white rules very gray ailments. Their decisions mean the difference between monthly checks few hundred dollars versus few thousand.
When veterans are not happy with the results, often the case, they can appeal, reapply, submitting new documents and diagnoses bolster their claims -and adding years the process.
About half the current backlog due veterans reapplying for denied claims seeking increase existing benefits because new worsening conditions. the backlog grows, and along with it, the pessimism some advocates.
"They are rearranging the decks chairs sinking ship," said Katrina Eagle, lawyer who represents veterans before the agency. "You can hire people and buy new software. But nothing will improve."
Bureaucratic Behemoth
Born from system that paid pensions Revolutionary War soldiers, the Department Veterans Affairs has grown into behemoth with more than 270,000 employees who maintain 131 cemeteries, operate 152 hospitals and disburse benefits more than four million veterans. The nation has total about million veterans.
Congress, the courts and the executive branch have contributed the growth creating new benefits and rights like perennial blooms. Typically, Congress has accomplished that establishing "presumptive connections" between military service and certain diseases, allowing veterans seek disability compensation they received diagnosis within certain period.
There are now scores diseases that are presumed the result of, aggravated by, military service, from anemia yellow fever. Each time the government adds new one, thousands veterans apply for benefits. 2010, for example, Mr. Shinseki announced that three diseases -ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's disease and b-cell leukemia -would considered the result Agent Orange exposure for veterans who served Vietnam. this week, the department had processed more than 240,000 claims for those diseases filed just the last two years.
Since least the 1960s, multiple sclerosis has been the presumptive list, and the decades since, tens thousands veterans with the disease have received benefits from the Department Veterans Affairs. Dennis Selsky, 69, one. Navy reservist from the Philadelphia area who was called active duty for months 1968, Mr.
Selsky worked ordnance specialist domestic air bases. Two years after leaving the service
1970, says, doctors told him had multiple sclerosis, which Mr. Selsky believes contracted from
working planes contaminated with the herbicide Agent Orange.
Two years ago, learned from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that was eligible for veterans
compensation, applied and was granted the minimum benefit: percent rating, worth $435 month.
That seemed low him because, says, has tremors, walks with cane and losing his vision.
Mr. Selksy, who spent years with Verizon before retiring 1998, appealed, seeking 100 percent
rating that would pay about $3,000 month.
Then his problems with the Department Veterans Affairs began earnest.
First, the Philadelphia regional office lost part his file, his wife, Sheila, said. "T:hen lost authorizations obtain records from his cardiologist, podiatrist, neurologist and ophthalmologist_-more than once. After the office finally obtained those doctors' reports, still required him see department doctors confirm his diagnoses.
Each appointment and lost document has added weeks the processing, now its 15th month. have skeptical department examiners, who have requested additional information whether Mr.
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Selsky's heart palpitations and vision loss are related his multiple sclerosis. "This should slam dunk," Ms. Selsky said. "He keeps getting worse, and they keep fighting and fighting and fighting with us. The stress unbelievable."
Mr. Selsky may have also been the victim another problem common claims processing: the chaotic handling records. Lost mishandled documents are perhaps the No. complaint about the processing system. Indeed, 2009 review the department's inspector general found rampant cases mishandled mail, including documents being improperly put shred bins the department's regional offices.
Workers who process mail the Philadelphia regional office, which handled Mr. Selsky's claim, say that veterans' records have for years piled gray file cabinets cardboard boxes because they were thought lack clear identifying information, like Social Security numbers.
Ryan Cease, former mail handler the regional office, said that earlier this yea.r saw workers who were cleaning the mail room preparation for visit senior official tossing records into boxes marked "for shredding."
Suspicious, and fellow worker later leafed through the boxes and found numerous records that
they believed could have easily been identified.
Mr. Cease, through another employee, sent urgent e-mail the department's central office. After
investigation, the department concluded that nothing improper liad occurred.
"We have not shredded any documents there,'' Ms. Hickey said.
Mr. Cease not sure. "I'm convinced," said interview, "that mail was shredded and that the mail was identifiable."
Manpower Shortage Cited 2009, Kathryn Kausch learned that her mother, Doris Hink, was eligible for pension because her husband, who died 1987, had served honorably during World War II. Ms. Kausch sent the paperwork, hoping the funds would help pay assisted living costs for her mother, now 89, who has dementia.
The application was rejected because her mother's assets were above the $80,000 threshold. But year, those assets had shrunk and Ms. Kausch reapplied January 2010. That September, the Philadelphia pension office asked for additional documents, and she sent off fat packet bank statements, medical invoices and other financial records. November, the office notified her that had not received the documents and was rejecting her mother's application again. But Ms. Kausch produced receipt showing that the documents had been delivered, and the office acknowledged had received them. Then she hunkered down wait. Months passed.
Ms. Kausch began dipping into her savings pay her mother's bills assisted living center. Then July 2011, Ms. Kausch was laid off from her job Xerox. Desperate for help, she called her
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ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Chinese Slowdown Idles U.S. Coal Mines
September 28, 2012 Wall Street Journal KRIS MAHER WHARTON, W.Va.-Slowing growth China taking brutal toll Appalachian coal mines and coal towns.
Appalachia has one the world's richest deposits high-grade coal used make steel. Thanks Chinese demand, the price for premium metallurgical coal, whose low-ash and low-sulfur content makes ideal for steelmaking, hit record $330 metric ton early 2011.
Now, the Chinese economy slowing and its steel industry. That has sent the rice coal used for steelmaking down nearly 50% $170 metric ton. Those coal producers who counted Chinese sales are reeling.
"When someone had coal move, China was your big box store," said Ernie Thrasher, chief executive XCoal Energy Resources, major U.S. marketer such coal Asia: This year, "the switch went off."
While many have blamed the downturn the U.S. coal industry cheap natural gas supplanting coal and tougher environmental regulations, the slide metallurgical coal demand has been equally devastating. Coal companies were caught flat-footed after ramping production last year with the expectation that steep prices would cover their rising costs, despite coal's past cyclicality. Instead, demand China began falter just Australian metallurgical coal production.-interrupted floods last year-surged back into the market. July, Patriot Coal Corp. PCXCQ 9.09% St. Louis filed for bankruptcy protection, shortly after lost contract for coal bound for Asian steelmaker. Patriot's stock slid 18% the day after announced that news, taking other coal stocks down with it. Earlier this month, Patriot said would temporarily idle metallurgic! coal operations three mining complexes southern West Virginia and lay off 250 miners, addition 1,000 layoffs earlier this year. top that, Patriot has said will need reduce "unsustainable" pension and health benefits 2,000 miners and some 20,000 retirees and surviving spouses.
China's metallurgical coal imports dropped 2.6 million metric tons August, from average 4.5 million metric tons per month through July. Now coal mines are closing throughout Appalachia. Earlier this month, Alpha Natural Resources Inc., ANR +2.43% Bristol, Va., which derives large share its
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without floor fight. And it's the beginning second Obama term, will not want battle over his nominee, which could weaken him right out the gate."
(!Q.Q)
Obama Cabinet Flunks Disclosure Test With Ignoring Law
September 27, 2012 Jim Snyder and Danielle Ivory his first full day office, President Barack Obama ordered federal officials "usher new era
open government" and "act promptly" make information public. Obama nears the end his term, his administration hasn't met those goals, failing follow the requirements the Freedom Information Act, according analysis open-government requests filed Bloomberg News.
Nineteen cabinet-level agencies disobeyed the law requiring the disclosure public information: The cost travel top officials. all, just eight the federal agencies met Bloom berg's request for those documents within the 20-day window required the Act.
"When comes implementation Obama's wonderful transparency policy goals, especially FOIA policy particular, there has been far more 'talk the talk' rather than 'walk the walk,"' said Daniel Metcalfe, director ofthe Department Justice's office monitoring the government's compliance with
FOIA requests from 1981 2007.
The Bloomberg survey was designed part gauge the timeliness responses, which Attorney
General Eric. Holder called "an essential component transparency" March 2009 memo. About half the agencies eventually disclosed the out-of-town travel expenses generated their top official Sept. 14, most them well past the legal deadline.
Public Interest
Bloomberg reporters June filed FOIA requests for fiscal year 2011 taxpayer-supported travel for Cabinet secretaries and top officials major departments. Justice Department official Melanie Ann Pustay said interview that disclosure those records the public interest. Even agency heads who publicly announce their events - including Holder, Secretary State Hillary Clinton and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius --didn't provide the costs their out-of-town trips more than three months after the initial request.
"It's ironic that the demands the presidential campaign for Mitt Romney's tax returns are unrelenting, but when comes time release the schedules for senior appointees there's the same denial access," said Paul Light, New York University professor who studies the federal bureaucracy.
"Over the past four years, federal agencies have gone great efforts make government more transparent and more accessible than ever, provide people with information that they can use their daily lives," said White House spokesman Eric Schultz, who noted that Obama received award for his commitment open government. The March 2011 presentation that award was closed the press.
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economy. risks triggering nuclear arms race the region, and the unraveling the NonProliferation Treaty."
Netanyahu thanked Obama for his statement acknowledging Iranian nuclear weapons program could not contained, and said recognized that international sanctions were inflicting serious pain
the regime.
But said that more than decade sanctions and diplomacy have failed halt Iran's nuclear ambitions, and that would irresponsible place one's faith cautious estimates from Western intelligence agencies that there sufficient time stop the Iranians from acquiring the bomb. "Our
intelligence agents are not fool-proof," said.
Netanyahu, who spoke shortly after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, evoted little attention the peace process, simply saying the "libelous speeches" "unilateral declarations statehood" before the U.N. General Assembly would not further the cause peace.
The Palestinian leader was the clear favorite the General Assembly, receiving standing ovation for speech that denounced wave anti-Palestinian attacks Jewish settlers, and claimed that Israeli policis were undermining the ability the Palestinian National Authority function --threatening its ultimate collapse.
But his bid for international recognition statehood was scaled back from a.year ago.
''We will continue our efforts obtain full membership for Palestine the United Nations," said. But for now, said his government has "begun intensive consultations with various regional organizations and member states aimed having
the General Assembly adopt resolution considering the State Palestine non-member state the United Nations during this session."
"We not seek delegitimize existing state --that Israel; but rather assert the state that must realized --that Palestine."
(!QQ) U.N., Myanmar Leader Highlights Steps Reform September 28, 2012
New York Times Rick Gladstone
The president Myanmar, former general who has led the move away from prolonged era dictatorship, poverty and isolation, asserted Thursday his first United Nations speech that "amazing changes" were transforming his country and could never reversed.
The president, Thein Sein, also paid homage the country's opposition leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former political prisoner whose liberation from nearly two decades house arrest 2010 signaled the beginning Myanmar's gradual emergence from pariah status.
September 27, 2012 Col Lynch Burma's President Thein Sein paid tribute the country's most famous democratic dissident, Aung San Suu Kyi, saying wanted congratulate her for the awards she has received during 17-day tour the United States, including the Congressional Gold Medal.
"As Myanmar citizen, would like congratulate her for the honors she has received this country
recognition her efforts for democracy," told the U.N. General Assembly gathering this morning.
The tribute underscored the dramatic shift under way Burma and the country's leader --a former general from the military junta that had once annulled election that would have made Suu Kyi the country's leader, and then held her under house arrest for nearly two decades.
Dressed business suit, Sein said that his government making "progress the democratic path" and that would require forbearance from the international community. The remarks come one day after U.S. Secretary State Hillary Clinton informed Myanmar that the United States was easing series sanctions the country's exports'to the United States. well aware the fact that Myanmar's democratic transformation process would complex and delicate one that requires patience," said. "Myanmar now ushering new era .... ... necessary that Myanmar should viewed from different and new perspective." also addressed international concerns about wave violence against the country's minority
groups, referring upswing ethnic violence Rakhine. "In this connection, would like
mention the first place that the people inhabiting our country, regardless race, religion, and
gender, have the right live peace and security."
(!QQ)
Libya Chief Apologizes for 'Despot' Gadhafi
September 28, 2012
Wall Street Journal CHRISTOPHER RHOADS
UNITED NATIONS-Libya's head state apologized the international community Thursday for four decades bloodlust, terrorism and human-rights abuses perpetrated his "lunatic despot" predecessor, Col. Moammar Gadhafi. stand before you today, before the entire world, apologize for all the harm, all the crimes committed that despot against many innocents, apologize for the extortion and terrorism meted many states," Mohamed Magariaf, the president the Libyan National Congress, said speech the United Nations annual meeting.
Mr. Magariaf also thanked those who came the country's aid during the bloody revolution that overthrew and killed Gadhafi year ago attempted flee the war-torn country with his entourage convoy SUVs. singled out the U.N., the U.S., and particular Christopher Stevens, the U.S. ambassador recently killed attack Benghazi, Libya.
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Libya the world
September 28, 2012 Colum Lynch
Three years ago, then Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi stood the U.N. General Assembly podium,
held copy the U.N. Charter, and declared would not recognize its authority:
This afternoon, Mohammed Magarrief, the president Libya's national assembly, affirmed his
commitment the charter and issued apology the membership for the crimes committed
Libya's former ruler.
"Three years ago, despot who ruled country for years with oppression and iron fist stood this very rostrum and tore copy the charter the United Nations," said. "Today, standing the very same rostrum affirming country's support the charter the United Nations and our respect for it."
Dressed crisp Western business suit, Libya's new leader sought present starkly different image
from Qaddafi, who was known for his often outlandish robes and designer sunglasses. contrast the long, rambling anti-imperial rants that characterized his predecessor's U.N. speeches,
Magarrief spoke from prepared text, and remained the podium for about minutes, longer than minutes allotted, but far cry from Qaddafi's interminable monologues. sought assure other countries that his government would seek get along with the international community and abide the rules the road.
Qaddafi funneled weapons insurgent groups throughout the continent, fueling conflicts from West
Africa Sudan, and played role some the most audacious acts international terror,
including the bombing Pan Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, attack that killed 243
passengers, crew members, and people the ground. stand before you today, before the entire world, apologize for all the harm, all the crimes
committed that despot against many innocents, apologize for the extortion and terrorism
meted many states," Magarriefsaid.
(!QQ)
Tunisia: 'dictatorship disease'
September 27, 2012 Colum Lynch Tunisia's President Moncef Marzouki urged the United Nations declare dictatorship disease, much like polio and small pox, and launch campaign eliminate autocratic rule. proposed the establishment global constitutional court, along the lines the International Criminal Court, pass judgment the integrity governments, elections, and legal institutions.
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Despite Rwanda's denials, senior U.N. diplomat has said that privately Kigali was bit embarrassed, say the least, and this could one the reasons behind the lull (in fighting) the Kivu." said Rwanda withdrew support then the M23 group, numbering about 1,500, "could subdued."
The DRC said last month had asked the U.N. Security Council place sanctions Rwanda's defense
minister and two top military officials for backing the rebellion. U.N. experts' report has accused Rwandan Defense Minister James Kaberebe, chief defense staff Charles Kayonga, and General Jacques Nziza, military adviser President Paul Kagame, being "in constant contact with M23.
"There can possible justification for such support, whether terms military hardware, strategic advice. must stop," Britain's Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, told the U.N. summit. "And there can impunity for those who violate human rights. They must brought justice."
INTERNATIONAL FORCE?
France said would support sanctions against M23 and warned neighboring states against supporting
the group.
"The M23 benefiting from external support, including from neighboring DRC states," said French Minister for the Francophone countries Yamina Benguigui. "Nothing can justify the support armed rebellion led war criminals. All support M23, whatever is, must stop." uneasy neighbors, Congo and Rwanda have gone war against each other the past. Rwanda has backed armed movements the DRC during the past two decades, citing need tackle Rwandan rebels operating out Congo's eastern hills.
U.S. Secretary State Hillary Clinton met jointly with Kagame and Kabila Monday New York and pressed them resolve the conflict. July the United States withdrew some $200,000 military aid for Rwanda, Washington's first direct punitive action against the Rwandans over the crisis. Several other western European nations also have cut suspended aid.
The United Nations said was working with east and central African states their proposal for
neutral force tackle the M23 and other armed groups eastern Congo.
"It something that generates interest, but are short real concept operations -who would in, who would what, who would pay -and this why more work needs done," said U.N. peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous after the meeting.
"We are already working (with them) flesh out the concept because the end the day will submitted the Security Council and the Security Council will want very precise explanations what all about," said. resolution mandating military intervention the DRC would have approved the 15-member Security Council.
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"Before endorsing any such support, and the U.N. Security Council will want understand the intended role and scope the force," said Britain's Simmonds. Britain, the United States, France, China and Russia are veto-wielding council members. U.N. mission the DRC, known MONUSCO, has more than 17,000 troops, but the force stretched thin across nation the size Western Europe and struggles fulfill its current mandate protecting civilians.
U.N. helicopter gunships frequently back outgunned government forces, but even that firepower failed prevent rebels from taking several towns July. The U.N. force would work with any neutral force, but could not launch operations.
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Jordan Push Religious Tolerance Initiative
September 28, 2012
Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS -The foreign ministers Italy and Jordan are pushing initiative promote religious tolerance worldwide.
Italy's Giulio Terzi and Jordan's Nasser Judeh announcement Thursday came the sidelines the U.N. General Assembly and little over two weeks after anti-Islam video that portrays the Prophet Muhammad womanizer, child molester and fraud, sparked violent protests Muslim countries.
Terzi said plans for the initiative were under way well before the video went public, and that the next step would conference the coming months with representatives from governments, academia and international organizations.
Participants panel discussion religious tolerance co-chaired the two ministers Thursday included U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay and UNESCO's director general, Irina Bokova.
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EXCLUSIVE: Study: Misconduct Goes Unpunished
September 28, 2012
Associated Press Peter James Spielmann NEW YORK -When U.N. staffers peacekeeping missions were accused misconduct corruption over the last couple years, more than two-thirds them were exonerated the U.N.'s internal tribunal system, according research provided whistleblower-protection group.
Extensive interviews conducted with current and former U.N. staffers eight peacekeeping forces who lodged complaints against higher-ups found widespread frustration over "managers who committed misconduct and were rarely sanctioned," said the Washington-based organization, Government Accountability Project (GAP).
The U.N.'s tribunal system was reformed under Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the insistence the General Assembly, 2009 but appears worse rooting out mismanagement than the old procedures, according the GAP study, which was being released publicly Friday.
After the reforms adopted higher standards evidence and proof, GAP found cases misconduct
allegations against peacekeeping staff over two years, which were exonerated --68 percent.
GAP's study showed, however, that Y.-year period before the reforms, nine misconduct cases were
filed against peacekeeping staffers and just four were exonerated --a 28.6 dismissal rate.
"Too often, bad apples are getting away with misconduct that they commit the peacekeeping
missions, the expense citizens across the globe," GAP international program staffer Shelley
Walden, co-author the study, told The Associated Press.
The United Nations pledged uphold justice worldwide. But international institution, its 75,000 staffers worldwide are ruled internal U.N, tribunal system that judges complaints mismanagement, harassment corruption. National courts not have jurisdiction over U.N. employment issues.
GAP's research focused the problems whistle-blowers the U.N. system who spoke out against
mismanagement, corruption harassment that can far death threats and assault.
The most serious crimes are dealt with having the United Nations discharge the staffer and send
them their home country for possible prosecution. This how the U.N. handled several notorious
cases U.N. peacekeepers accused rape soliciting prostitution Congo and Haiti.
The office the spokesman for the U.N. chief was asked Thursday about the premise the GAP research and was sent the report's executive summary. Ban's spokesman, Martin Nesirky, did not have any immediate comment the report.
Part the problem with the 2009 reforms, Walden said, that raised the standard proof
misconduct, making harder for whistle-blowers make their complaints stick. report Ban the General Assembly July verified that, saying that many cases "failed meet the
higher evidential and procedural standards" the new tribunal system.
These also led long delays investigating some cases, Ban said. Some complaints were deemed not
credible. And some cases were not pursued because managerial changes had already been made.
These "factors resulted cases that were not pursued disciplinary matters closed with
measure," Ban said.
Walden said that "They are not pursuing many cases, the pendulum has swung back the other
way."
The GAP report said that U.N. tribunal judges "have been hesitant refer cases the SecretaryGeneral for possible action enforce accountability." almost tribunal 500 cases the GAP study examined, over range from disputes over severance pay actual threats and assaults, judges had asked Ban for enforcement only four times, and was unable find out had actually taken action those four cases.
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"The secretary-general has not upheld the rule law within the organization," Walden said.
The appeals process "is almost never effective when higher level staff, think that's political problem within the insutution," George Irving, private attorney who consultant the U.N. Staff Union, told the AP. was one the experts interviewed the GAP study.
"The tone the top really problem --you might get accountability the lower levels," Walden said.
Ban's report summed specific staff problems that had actually resulted firing other discipline over the past year, including:
--seeking sexual favors from job applicant.
--making derogatory and sexual comments fellow workers and storing pornography U.N. computer.
--verbal abuse including threats kill supervisor.
--beating spouse, who was U.N. volunteer, with table, causing multiple injuries requiring hospitalization.
--theft and sale U.N. computers, radios cameras, and rolls copper wire.
--a "long-running and widespread" scheme use forged U.N. airline vouchers for travel unauthorized persons "and companies."
--submission phony dental care claims the U.N.'s health insurance plan.
--leaking information involving internal investigations "to the press and outside government agencies." appeared that even criminal activity may unpunished. Ban's report said the U.N. had reported seven "credible" cases criminal conduct U.N. officials experts U.N. missions national authorities, but "is not aware any action taken respect such cases the Member States themselves."
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TOP STORIES
Nod Obama Netanyahu Warning Iran Bomb
September 28, 2012
New York Times Rick Gladstone And David Sanger Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel told the United Nations Thursday that Iran's capability enrich uranium must stopped before next spring early summer, arguing that that time the country will position make short, perhaps undetectable, sprint manufacture its first nuclear weapon.
Date: 08/14/2013 his speech the annual General Assembly, Mr. Netanyahu dramatically illustrated his intention
shut down Iran's nuclear program drawing red line through cartoonish diagram bomb. But
the substance his speech suggested softening what had been difficult dispute with the Obama
administration how confront Iran over its nuclear program.
Only two weeks after that dispute broke into the open, Mr. Netanyahu Thursday praised the warning Mr. Obama gave Iran his own General Assembly speech Tuesday. very much appreciate the president's position, does everyone country," said. The Israeli
leader's speech also suggested that his deadline for military strike was well past the American
presidential election and into 2013 -perhaps late next summer.
Mr. Netanyahu said intervew "Meet the Press" NBC that was broadcast Sept. that he'
believed Iran was six months from amassing most the enriched uranium needed for bomb. "You
have place that red line before them now," said. But his speech Thursday was more explicit about his time frame for military strike.
While such strike seemed like receding possibility recent weeks, had remained possible "October surprise" that worried the White House and military planners.
Mr. Netanyahu's softened tone may also have also reflected Israel's reading the American presidential polls, which have shown Mr. Obama's lead widening somewhat since the prime minister's harsh words mid-September, when said the United States had "moral right" hold back Israel from taking action against Iran because the Obama administration refused set its own red line.
"It seems that Netanyahu's Iran policy becoming more Obama-friendly," Meir Javedanfar, IranianIsraeli lecturer the Interdisciplinary Center Herzilya, Israel, said e-mailed reaction Mr. Netanyahu's speech.
"What was most impressive was that drew red line, withoutcommitting himself it," Mr.
Javedanfar said. "He also did way which takes the pressure off Obama, illustrated the fact that pushed back the timelines next year."
Michael Herzog, former chief staff Israel's defense minister and Israel-based fellow the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said was implicit Mr. Netanyahu's remarks that "there are six seven months more continue pressure the Iranians. The international buzz before was that Israel had act before the November elections."
Mr. Netanyahu's speech also came against backdrop revived international diplomacy with Iran, which has insisted its nuclear program peaceful. Foreign ministers from the so-called PS-plus-1 group countries -the five permanent members the Security Council plus Germany -met discuss how advance negotiations with Iran that have been stalled since June.
"All the ministers were unified their belief that diplomacy the much preferred way forward," senior Obama administration official said after the meeting. response Mr. Netanyahu's speech. Iran again denied what called "baseless and absurd allegations" that seeking nuclear weapon and insisted the goals its nuclear program are
"exclusively peaceful." But Iranian officials, including President Ahmadinejad have declined rule out the possibility that Iran would continue producing percent uranium, even though has now made enough keep its medical reactor running for the next years. And its statement Thursday night reserved its "full right retaliate with force against any attacks"
Mr. Netanyahu also used his speech rejoinder the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, who earlier had harshly denounced Israel from the General Assembly podium.
Mr. Abbas said believed that Israel intended destroy the basis for two-state solution the Israel-Palestinian conflict. also declared his intention pursue full-member status the United Nations alternative path statehood, effort begun last year that has faltered because Israeli and American objections.
Rick Gladstone reported from New York, and David Sanger from Washington. Jodi Rudoren and Isabel Kershner contributed reporting from Jerusalem, and Steven Lee Myers from New York.
This article has been revised reflect the following correction:
Correction: September 27, 2012 earlier version this article misidentified one point that day which Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the United Nations. the article noted correctly elsewhere, was Thursday, not Wednesday.
This article has been revised reflect the following correction:
Correction: September 27, 2012 earlier version this article misspelled the Israeli city where the Interdisciplinary Center located. Herzliya, not Herzilya.
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Netanyahu Demands 'Red Line' Iran September 28, 2012 Wall Street Journal JAY SOLOMON UNITED NATIONS-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran was track build atomic bomb summer 2013 and exhorted the U.S. and other global powers set strict limit Tehran's nuclear fuel production the clear "red line" that would trigger military strikes.
The speech the U.N. General Assembly Thursday marked Mr. Netanyahu's latest public challenge President Barack Obama more aggressively confront Tehran.
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But Mr. Netanyahu also implied that Israel wouldn't consider attacking Iran least until the spring.
then, argued, Iran will have amassed enough medium-enriched uranium convert into fuel for
nuclear bomb matter weeks months.
Standing before world leaders, the Israeli leader held drawing round bomb with lighted fuse and, with thick red marker, drew line said Iran shouldn't prmitted cross. believe that, faced with clear red line, Iran will back down," Mr. Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader's comments damped fears among some Western and Arab officials that Israel might
strike Iran's nuclear facilities before the U.S. presidential election November. These officials said they
believed that any possible military action has been put off until feast next year. don't believe any longer that will see attack before November," said senior Arab official. "This
wasn't the case few weeks ago."
The comments were seen similarly Israeli analysts. "The pressure was focused the possibility that
Israel might attack before the elections," said Shlomo Brom, fellow Tel Aviv University's Institute for
National Security Studies and former brigadier general the Israeli military. "Now seems like it's off
the table."
Tehran denies trying build nuclear weapons, and late Thursday called Mr. Netanyahu's accusations "entirely baseless."
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, speaking New York this week, said didn't take Israeli threats seriously-and said any strike his country would seen joint lsraeli-U.S. operation.
"The Islamic Republic Iran strong enough defnd itself and reserves its full right retaliate with full force against any attack," Tehran's mission the U.N. said statement Thursday night.
Mr. Netanyahu recent months has repeatedly threatened military strikes against Iran, while asking Mr. Obama lay down his own red line, including during phone conversation earlier this month, according U.S. officials.
Mr. Obama and his aides have rebuffed the Israeli leader's demands, saying such pronouncement could constrict Washington's ability use diplomacy contain Iran's nuclear threat. Secretary State Hillary Clinton met Thursday with representatives the global powers seeking contain Iran's nuclear program through talks with Tehran, which U.S. officials said they expected would resume the coming months.
Mrs. Clinton met one-on-one with Mr. Netanyahu Thursday evening for minutes discuss Iran. They agreed continue "close consultation" preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapon, senior State Department official said.
White House officials Thursday played down any differences between Messrs. Obama and Netanyahu. "As the prime minister said, the United States and Israel share the goal preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapon," said U.S. National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor.
Date: 08/14/2013
Israel's prime minister sought and failed secure meeting with Mr. Obama New York this week. The White House cited scheduling differences, and Mr. Obama had one-on-one meetings with world leaders the U.N. The two men plan speak telephone Friday, White House officials said
The U.S. and Israel continue follow different timelines for when they believe Iran might able develop nuclear weapon. They also differ their assessments the impact international sanctions Tehran.
U.S. intelligence agencies believe Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hasn't made the
political decision build atomic weapon. Should make such decision, according U.S.
intelligence, still could take year months for Iran develop crude nuclear bomb, longer
timeline than that outlined Mr. Netanyahu Thursday.
The Obama administration also confident that sanctions are significantly weakening Iran's economy.
Treasury officials say the sanctions are costing Tehran $15 billion quarter lost oil revenue and that
Iran's energy sales have dropped million barrels day.
Mr. Netanyahu said Thursday that sanctions are having impact, but stressed that didn't believe sanctions alone would enough make Iran give its nuclear program-implying the country's rulers won't make rational decisions.
Iran could produce enough 20%-enriched uranium next spring early summer, Mr. Netanyahu estimated, adding would just few months, possibly few weeks" before could develop crude nuclear device.
The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, estimated last month Iran had
amassed 190 kilograms uranium enriched 20% purity. this, kilograms have been converted
into fuel rods for Iran's research reactor Tehran, according the IAEA.
Nuclear experts believe Iran would need 250 kilograms uranium enriched 20% make one crude bomb. Iran would need reprocess the fuel 90% purity have the fissile material for nuclear bomb.
U.S. officials believe that any effort Tehran begin producing the most highly enriched uranium
would detected IAEA monitors based Iran's nuclear facilities the cities Natanz and Qom.
Mr. Netanyahu, however, stressed Thursday that didn't believe Western intelligence was good
enough run the risk allowing Iran push forward with its enrichment efforts. Israel also
concerned that Iran moving more fuel production underground facility seen impervious
attack.
"No one appreciates our intelligence agencies more than the prime minister Israel," Mr. Netanyahu
said. "But they are not foolproof."
The debate between the U.S. and Israel over red lines has fed into the U.S. presidential election.
Republican candidate Mitt Romney has repeatedly called Mr. Obama soft Iran, though Mr. Romney
hasn't specified what Iranian actions would prompt him strike.
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department State Case No. F-2012-38774 Doc No. C05416488 Date: 08/14/2013 Doc No. C05416488 Date: 08/14/2013 Thursday, Mr. Romney said agreed with Mr. Netanyahu, although didn't specifically enqorse
the Israeli leader's recommendation for red line. join Prime Minister Netanyahu's call for Middle East progress and peace. And join his urgent
call prevent the gravest threat that vision-a nuclear-armed Iran," Mr. Romney said.
The Israeli leader's comments about Iran overshadowed discussions the U.N. Mideast peace talks.
Mr. Netanyahu's speech came after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the U.N.
Mr. Abbas said remained open negotiations with Israel aimed creating independent Palestinian state. But said that lower-level talks between the two sides recent months have been fruitless.
Mr. Netanyahu dedicated little his speech the Palestinian issue, but said his government remains
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